Salt Creek Dispersed Area (Ca)

Star4.13
79 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,067 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Mid-May to Mid-Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Salt Creek Dispersed Area (Ca)
$10.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates range between $10 for Picnic sites and $15 for Standard Nonelectric sites during the peak season (May 9th to September 11th).
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-275-8113
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What Campers Say

4.13

Satisfactory

Based on 79 reviews

81 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

Some mention

noisetrain

"User reviews provide mixed feedback about Salt Creek Dispersed Area. Positive highlights include the peaceful and scenic environment, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and proximity to water sports activities. Negative feedback focuses on noise from nearby trains, lack of facilities, and occasional overcrowding."

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Campground Map

Salt Creek Dispersed Area (Ca)

40.8433, -122.3543

Driving directionsGoing Northbound I-5 exit at the Gilman Rd exit. Take a left at the stop sign from the ramp. Turn right onto Salt Creek Rd/Gregory Creek Rd follow make a left onto Salt Creek Lodge Rd for about 1 mile. The dispersed area entrance will be on the right.
This area is accessible via I-5 Northbound with paved roads leading to Salt Creek Lodge Rd. However, some navigation challenges may occur due to limited signage.
Nearby places
Redding (20 miles, approximately 25-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely available in Redding, 20 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Salt Creek Dispersed Area (Ca)

Summer transforms Salt Creek into a sun-drenched haven where temperatures soar to a toasty 96°F during the day before cooling to a comfortable 67°F at night. Clear azure skies dominate the peak season, with rainfall becoming nothing more than a distant memory. These warm, dry conditions create perfect opportunities for swimming, boating, and lakeside lounging from dawn until the stars emerge.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with full water activity access and portable amenities; hot, busy and sometimes noisy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.5 / 5

Mid-Sept to mid-May is pack-in/out with no services; fewer visitors but limited amenities.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Services resume mid-May; early spring still sees pack-in/out conditions and limited amenities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter months lack services and fees; site is open but primitive and less supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 9th, 2025 - September 11th, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Mid-May to Mid-September with portable amenities available. Winter months (Mid-September to Mid-May) are pack in/pack out with no fees charged.

About Salt Creek Dispersed Area (Ca)

Discover the untamed beauty of Salt Creek, where the Sacramento River meets the vast expanse of Shasta Lake. This dispersed shoreline camping area offers adventurers a chance to claim their own piece of paradise along the water's edge. During peak seasons, you'll find essential amenities including trash facilities and portable restrooms, while the rest of the year promises a more rustic, back-to-nature experience. With no designated sites, early arrivals secure the best spots overlooking the sparkling waters. The area welcomes vehicles of all types, and you can settle your stay through convenient Scan & Pay technology or traditional cash and check payments.
Salt Creek Dispersed Area primarily caters to dispersed camping, with no designated campsites or reservations required. First-come, first-serve policies apply.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is immediate upon payment.
Check-out
Check-out is immediate upon vacating the site.
Stay Limit
Guests may stay for up to 14 days within the designated period

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at the Salt Creek Dispersed Area can enjoy a variety of water-based and other recreational activities. Highlights include fishing, informal boating opportunities, and water skiing, with the Shasta Lake area offering excellent conditions for these activities. Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, as well as hiking nearby. Seasonal changes may impact water levels and the availability of certain activities.
HikingLimited information on specific hiking trails is available, but visitors can explore the surrounding areas given the proximity to Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
FishingLake Shasta offers fishing opportunities for trout, catfish, Chinook salmon, crappie, bluegill, white sturgeon, brown bullhead, and bass. This makes the area a prime destination for anglers.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in Shasta Lake; however, there are no formal swimming areas or lifeguard services.
BoatingInformal mooring is allowed when water levels are high. A public boat ramp is located approximately 6 miles away at Antlers.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant in the area, with deer frequently spotted around the campground, adding to the natural charm. LeeAnn Billings noted: 'Lots of deer roaming.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison oak is abundant, and the area is frequented by bears and other wildlife. Guests should exercise caution when navigating muddy roads and be aware of train noise.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredFood must be stored in approved containers to prevent wildlife issues.

Weather at Salt Creek Dispersed Area (Ca)

Reviews

4.1
79 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Salt Creek Dispersed Area (Ca) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide mixed feedback about Salt Creek Dispersed Area. Positive highlights include the peaceful and scenic environment, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and proximity to water sports activities. Negative feedback focuses on noise from nearby trains, lack of facilities, and occasional overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 79 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the area’s tranquility and scenic beauty. Kimberly Faith Mitchell described it as 'Very nice, beautiful, peaceful, and quaint place to camp for a day, week, or even longer!' The...
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Based on 79 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise from frequent trains and ATVs, as mentioned by Mike Weeks: 'ATV in the area like to play late into the evenings for a bit of obtrusive noises but settled down around 9-10...
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Based on 79 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers advise being prepared for a rugged experience, as facilities are minimal. A user noted: 'Self-contained units are best,' and others mentioned bringing supplies during the off-season due to...
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Based on 79 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is more crowded during peak summer months, with noise complaints from late arrivals. Winter sees fewer visitors but also lacks facilities.
Based on 79 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Very nice, beautiful, peaceful, and quaint place.' - Kimberly Faith Mitchell - 'Two trains went by in 24 hours; not a big deal, peaceful and quiet.' - Darin Lesmeister - 'If you love trains and...
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Based on 79 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are present, but John Drain observed that there are only two or three places to park without being on top of each other.
Based on 79 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility information is not noted by users.
Based on 79 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific feedback about pet-specific amenities or experiences is provided.
Based on 79 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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